Last Thursday, we joined Collaborate and the Institute for Government to launch Beyond Big Contracts: Commissioning public services for better outcomes, a report that ‘explores the readiness of public service commissioners and providers to meet citizens’ needs in an increasingly complex commissioning landscape’.

Dr Henry Kippin, Director of Collaborate, said: “This report shows that we need to re-dress the balance in public service reform – towards greater collaboration, co-production and a focus on strong local relationships.  The challenge for government is to create the right conditions to make this happen.  This should be a priority for whoever is in power from 2015 onwards”

Lord Victor Adebowale CBE, Chair of Collaborate, said: “We need a step change in commissioning practice to be ready for the future.  Greater co-production and co-creation are essential. As this report argues, the public, private and social sectors all have a part to play getting the maximum benefit from limited finances; driving accountability and hold providers to account; and creating space for the sort of risk-taking and innovation needed to improve social outcomes”.

Visit Collaborate’s website for more information.